Tuesday, May 31, 2011

I'm home from Alaska! We had the most amazing trip! I came home feeling rested and spoiled and inspired. Unfortunately, I also came home to a MESS in our basement. While my sister was here with the kids, tree roots in the sewer line caused water to back-up in the basement. The damage was more widespread than we initially thought and now we are cleaning up and purging in the storage room, guest bedroom, and my office/stamp room to prepare for tearing up carpet. An unplanned makeover, but we're dealing with it. Needless to say, this is not how I expected to spend the holiday weekend!

I look forward to sharing more about our trip, including lots of photos, when I can afford to take a break from cleaning up. Hopefully soon!

In the meantime, here are a few housekeeping notes as May comes to an end:

Today (May 31) is the last day to order select stamp sets for 30% off. Click here to check them out online and shop now.

Today (May 31) is also the last day to get the Digital Plus Starter Kit for 30% Off when you join as a Demonstrator. Click here for details.

Watch for the Last Chance lists to be posted tomorrow (June 1) -- the list of retired stamp sets and accessories. You'll want to order early for the best selection on the retired accessories because those are only available while supplies last.

My Customer Appreciation Sale will also start tomorrow (June 1). I will post all the details first thing tomorrow, so be sure to come back and check it out.

The 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog is just around the corner! I got a copy on the cruise and it is fabulous!! Fellow demonstrators will get their copy with their first demonstrator order in June. If you are a customer of mine and have ordered within the last year (since July 1, 2010), I will automatically send you a free copy of the catalog at the end of June. (Stampin' Up! has asked demonstrators not to release the catalog until June 20th.) If you aren't sure whether you will be getting one, feel free to email me.

My kids are winding down the school year. Their last full day is today and they go back tomorrow for an hour (so silly, I know!). I missed Teacher Appreciation Week, so I'm scrambling tonight to put together gifts for the kids' teachers. My latest project Kit (For All You Do, Take 2) is the perfect set of greeting cards to give as a gift! And even better, I already have a set made up! Here is one of the cards included in this kit:

This kit was one of my most popular. I re-did the projects with new colors and you'll love this set again, whether you keep it for yourself or give it as a gift! Click here for details.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

I made designed this hybrid card with My Digital Studio and the Strength & Hope digital kit. I "shared" it was a JPG image and then had it printed as a photograph. I cropped down the 3x6 print and added a flower and rhinestone to give it some dimension.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Are you ready for one more project with the Stampin' Store containers? (Click here to see the Red Hat and here to see the Grad Cap.) It's not a hat this time, but (I think) even cuter! A ladybug!

The body is the Scallop Circle die (Big Shot) and the spots are 1/2" circle punches. The top of the Stampin' Store container lid is punched with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch. The head is the 1-3/4" Circle Punch. I used the Sizzix Multi-Purpose Adhesive Sheets to get a good layer of adhesive on the back of the head and then added the antennae (branches from the Owl Punch). I added another 1-3/4" Circle Punch behind the head for a clean look. The dots on the end of the antennae are from the Bitty Punch Back.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I designed this card for our group card swap for the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog. When I first saw the Strength and Hope stamp set, I thought it was a bit limiting, but I wanted to support Stampin' Up!'s Making a Difference campaign (they donate $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every Strength & Hope stamp set of digital kit sold! Click here for details.) But what I found was that there are many ways to use the images in this set. Click here to see more "Strength & Hope" project ideas posted on my blog.

The scallop circle under the butterfly is really two circles from the Petal Cone die.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Here are two more cards using the pre-cut cardstock I got in my Grab Bag. Including yesterday's cards, all four cards use exactly the same cardstock pieces and the same stamp set. I love how different they look!

On the second card, I did the "Rock and Roll" technique. I first stamped the flower in More Mustard and then rolled the edges of the stamp in the Real Red ink. The smaller flower was stamped in Real Red in the center.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Have you ordered a Grab Bag yet? It's not too late! Click here to order your Grab Bag.

Many of the Grab Bags included pre-cut cardstock from retired card kits. I used a pack of pre-cut cardstock along with the new Love & Care Level 2 Hostess Set from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog to create a bunch of cards. I love how you can use the same pieces in so many different ways. These two cards (and two more to come tomorrow) all came from the same bag.

Before adhering the 3x3 square to the lid of the Stampin' Store container, put a black brad in the center. I crafted the tassel with the new White Baker's Twine from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog and then wrapped it around the brad. I decorated the inside with a message to the graduate:

Friday, May 20, 2011

Today is the day!! I'm leaving for my Alaskan Cruise! Thank you to all my customers and downline for making this trip possible! Stampin' Up! is footing the bill and sending my hubby and I on this amazing trip and it couldn't have come at a better time! We need this time away more than ever! My dear sister has come to care for our four young kiddos and Jim and I are looking forward to a quiet getaway!

Good news/bad news: I am taking a REAL vacation. Don't expect to hear from me for the next week! I look forward to sharing all the details when we get home. The good news is that I've pre-scheduled a week's worth of new blog posts for your creative inspiration! So don't go anywhere! And you'll definitely want to stay tuned because when I get home, it will be time to CELEBRATE!! A Blog-o-versary, another "hit counter" milestone, and a Customer Appreciation Special timed for the Last Chance List release on June 1st!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

I've seen many of these hat boxes floating around the idea pool lately. They are so cute for Easter or spring bonnets, but the first thing I thought of was the Red Hat Society! How darling would this be on the table at a Red Hat lunch!?

The secret to these little hat boxes is the Stampin' Store container. These are the little plastic containers that brads, buttons, and other embellishments are shipped in. Recycle your old ones, or buy a pack of 6 empty boxes (#103649, $3.95).

I stamped a sentiment for the inside of the lid (also to cover my sticky strip!) This little box is perfect for a small amount of candy.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Transform an ordinary envelope into a darling apron with just a few punches! This apron pouch has a pocket perfect for holding a packet of seeds. Give it a make-over for summer and you could do invitations to a BBQ!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

This technique was a real WOW with my Stamp Club this month! I think everyone who didn't already own the Square Lattice embossing folder, bought one! This technique is called Inlaid Embossing or Embedded Embossing and it is soooo easy with the Big Shot and an embossing folder!

First, punch out your shapes with different colors of cardstock. We used the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch from the new Summer Mini Catalog. Next, adhere the punched shapes to your cardstock. We used the Sizzix Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to put them on. Peel back the top of the sheet, stick the shape on the adhesive and then peel back up. It can get a little tacky, especially with smaller, intricate shapes, but it covers so nicely and is easier than trying to get other adhesive on small pieces. Finally, run the cardstock through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. That's it! Easy, peasy! And it looks like the shapes are embedded into the cardstock. Give it a try!

I also used the Word Play stamp set on this card. You can get it on sale 30% off this month! What an incredible deal!! Check it out online here. (Note: The sale price doesn't show up until you add it to your shopping cart.)

It's time for a new project kit! This month, I made-over my most popular kit: For All You Do. You'll love the fresh bright colors of the Sunny Garden Designer Paper used in the 2nd take on this kit to create these coordinating cards and purse box.

My project kits are a great alternative to attending a class in person. Everything comes pre-cut and ready to stamp in the convenience and comfort of your own home when your schedule allows. Project instructions will be emailed as a PDF file when your kit is shipped.

$19.95 + S/H

Order by May 19th and your kit will ship on May 20th.Orders placed May 20-30 will be shipped on May 31st.

Note: This kit is not available to Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. Please email me for more information.

Monday, May 16, 2011

One of my new downline, Andrea, suggested that the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch would make a perfect bow tucked half way behind a punched square. Genius! Now why didn't I think of that?! I loved her idea and made up this card for a birthday party my kids attended last weekend.

The sentiment ("Wish Big") is part of the Word Play stamp set, which you can get for 30% off during the month of May. Click here to see all the stamp sets on sale. (Note: The regular price shows up on the store page. Discount will be applied when you add the stamp set to your cart.)

Sunday, May 15, 2011

I love the Big Shot embossing folders. They give such a nice deep impression. And the Summer Mini Catalog from Stampin' up! brings a new folder to add to my collection: Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. For this card, I embossed Whisper White cardstock and then colored the lines and area inside using markers.

You can't see it well in the photo, but I used 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the yellow middle of the flower. It really sparkles in person!

The Certainly Celery cardstock is a "long note" that came in one of the Grab Bags. (If you like surprises, click here to order your grab bag!)

This is a "hybrid" card, meaning I added "real" elements after I printed the card. On this one, I added the rhinestones and the greeting (punched with the Word Window).

I did a fun technique to "watercolor" the butterfly in My Digital Studio, but it doesn't show up very well on the card. I didn't realize just how small the butterfly would be when I was working with it on the computer. I'll have to do another card like this so you can really see the effect.

Friday, May 13, 2011

I was really stumped by the Iron Craft challenge this week. The theme was too broad and I just couldn't figure out where to start. I finally found a little mojo on the last day and made this "Springtime Vintage" Mother's Day card. (The Springtime Vintage fabric from Stampin' Up! is still available. Click here to see a whole list of products from the Occasions Mini Catalog that are still available to order.)

I layered the vintage elements until I had it just right. Check out this close-up photo to see the Vanilla Smooch Spritz I used on the vanilla cardstock. The subtle sparkle is just gorgeous in person!

This week, the Iron Craft challenge was a contest! The theme was spring and there was such a variety of projects created. Click here to check out the other contest entries and vote for your favorite.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

As I mentioned last week, Stampin' Up! has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to raise money through the sale of the "Strength & Hope" stamp set and digital kit in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog. Stampin' Up! will donate $2 to the BCRF for each of these products that you purchase. Here is a card I created using My Digital Studio and the Strength and Hope digital kit. Can you tell which elements were added digitally and which are "real"? Take a look at the picture and then I'll give you the answer.

Did you figure it out? The card front is 100% digital, printed and adhered to a Whisper White card base. I still can't get over how "real" the embellishments look when you create with My Digital Studio. The pearls and the ribbon were all added in My Digital Studio and are flat on the printed card. (No bumps = no extra postage!)

My Digital Studio is not just for scrapbooking! There are so many ways to use this digital design software! And so many ways to print your designs! For this card (and the others I will share), I saved the design as a JPG, cropped it down to 4x6 and printed it as photo, which I then cut down to 4x5-1/4 to put on the card.One last note, the layout for this card was inspired by FTL136 over at Clean and Simple Stamping. Even if I don't use it right away, the layouts there always stick in my head until I have just the right project!

Monday, May 9, 2011

This Sunday is "Bring Your Daughter to Stamp" Day and I'm holding a special class just for kids! This project (one of two that we will make) uses the Stampin' Up! Build-a-Bear Workshop dies for the Big Shot. Click here to view my calender for event details and RSVP to reserve your seat at class this Sunday.

I have some cards to share over the next couple weeks, but I am also hoping to complete an album to print. I think I'm going to make a baby album for Anna using one of the designer templates. I don't have a lot of time this month with the cruise, so having the template done for me will make it go faster. I love that you can start from scratch or tweak a template that is already done. Here's a page I made using the new "A Year in Review" download. I started with the January layout, changed up the photos and the title block for this Easter page.

There are brand new design templates available when you update your software to the latest version

You can get $320 worth of products, including My Digital Studio design software, for only $122.50 when you purchase the Digital+ Starter Kit in May.

There is a new "Express" version of My Digital Studio available for only $39.95. This version (with minimal digital content) is available to download from my Online Store. Click here for details. Try it out and start designing today. Then, consider adding the My Digital Studio Express Booster Pack to get the rest of the digital content that comes with the regular version.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

We're been getting ready for the cruise and today we were looking at excursions...I can't believe in just two weeks we will be on the boat!! I hope to have projects ready to share while I'm gone and I promise to give a full report when I get back!

Here's a card using some new products from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog: the Travel Log stamp set and White/Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine. I also use the Word Play stamp set, which is on sale for 30% off in May! (Click here for promotion details. Note: the price shown in the store is the regular price. The discount is applied when you add the item to your shopping cart.)

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Two nights in a row and I don't have anything new photographed and ready to share. I have plenty of new stuff to show you, so just be patience with me! I'll get it up soon! In the meantime, I thought I would rewind and do my Top 5 picks from last May. Click on each photo for more details about the project. Click here to see all my May 2010 blog posts.

Monday, May 2, 2011

My late nights are catching up with me and I'm feeling beat tonight, so I'm going to keep my post short and sweet. Stampin' Up! is partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in a brand new "Making a Difference" Campaign. When you purchase the new Strength & Hope stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog (or the coordinating Digital Kit), Stampin' Up! will donate $2 to BCRF. Click here for all the details, including a video from Shelli Gardner. Here's a clean and simple card I created using this new stamp set with Blushing Bride and Basic Gray.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Thanks to everyone who placed an order with me in April! I drew one winner from all of the online and email orders and Karen A. from Utica is the lucky stamper to win the Slice of Life stamp set! Congratulations, Karen!

It's a new month, and time for a new free stamp set giveaway! Each month, I will give away a free stamp set. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do it place an online order (email orders count too!) that is not part of a club or workshop.You'll get one entry for each order that you place with me between May 1-31 . I'll draw a winner on June 1st. This month's stamp set is Picnic Parade, a retired level 2 hostess set from last year's Summer Mini Catalog. You can also earn exclusive stamp sets like this one for FREE when you host a qualifying workshop! Call or email me to schedule your next party!

Can you believe it's May already!? This year is going so fast! It's already time for another brand new mini catalog! If you are a customer of mine and haven't gotten a copy of the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog in the mail, please send me an email and I will send one out to you right away! Can't wait? You can view it online right now! Click here to view the new Summer Mini Catalog or browse Summer Mini catalogs products in my Online Store.Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

This is my personal blog. The content contained on this blog and in the classes, products, and services that I offer is my sole responsibility as an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and is not endorsed by Stampin' Up!